Beno Zephine, a fully visually challenged girl from Tamil Nadu, made history when she joined the Indian Foreign Service (IFS)
Speaking at a function to facilitate her Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances & Pension Dr Jitendra Singh expressed his happiness at her being the first 100 percent visually challenged person to gain entry into the 69-year-old service.
At the time when he took over charge of DoPT last year, the department was confronted with a dilemma – a visually challenged candidate had secured Rank 343 in the merit list in the Civil Services Exam and was insisting on taking up “Indian Foreign Service” as a career. Though she had cleared the civil services exam her posting was pending.
Finally the prevalent government rules were set aside to allow the first-ever 100 per cent visually challenged officer in South Block.
Dr. Singh said, he was highly impressed by the confidence and determination of the young visually challenged girl, whose enthusiasm and zeal to work, had earned her the title of “Collector” among the residents of the colony in Chennai from where she hailed. He said it was Beno Zephine’s unrelenting determination which inspired him and all the other colleagues in the DoPT to follow up her case with utmost sincerity and find a way to accommodate her in a befitting slot.
Dr. Jitendra Singh said, Beno Zephine’s appointment has enriched the Civil Services and it is not only a matter of pride for DoPT alone, but also a source of inspiration for millions of Civil Services aspirants across the country.
Acknowledging the honour extended to her, Beno Zephine said, she was overwhelmed by the patience and positive attitude of Dr. Jitendra Singh, whom she had been regularly visiting and also thanked all the officers in DoPT, whom she had been constantly bothering for the follow up of her case. She said, she wants to start her new appointment with the blessings of Prime Minister, Narendra Modi and all the elders who have helped her achieve her present position and goal in life.
